Willie Nelson Wants Weed Decriminalized in Big D

Breaking news: Willie Nelson is in favor of Dallas decriminalizing marijuana.

Election season has brought about its fair share of surprises thus far, but Willie Nelson isn’t here to surprise us. The 91-year-old country music icon is as reliable as his song catalog is illustrious. For those paying attention, Willie will never surprise you when he speaks out about politics and social issues. Or marijuana.

According to a Friday press release from cannabis advocacy group Ground Game Texas, the Red-Headed Stranger wants Dallas voters to say yes to Proposition R, which would decriminalize misdemeanor marijuana possession within the city of Dallas.

“Marijuana is an herb and a flower, not a crime,” Nelson said in the press release. “Proposition R in Dallas is about fairness and freedom. It's long past time to end the criminalization of weed in Texas, and I'm proud to support Ground Game Texas in their efforts. Vote for Prop R and let’s move forward together.”

Ground Game Texas has been behind similar efforts to decriminalize marijuana in other Texas cities including Killeen, Austin and San Marcos. But things haven't gone smoothly on that front even when the voters agree in some cities. Texas Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton has been vigilant in suing the cities to keep them from enacting the measures, while in Denton, where residents overwhelmingly voted to decriminalize weed in 2022, there has been confusion and conflict over the prop’s enforceability.

Outgoing Dallas police Chief Eddie Garcia has publicly stated he is against the prop, primarily due to it listing 4 ounces as the decriminalized amount. That’s “113 dime bags” he told the City Council in August, according to Fox 4. Some Dallas council members have also been vocal opponents of Proposition R but, hey, could this none-too-shocking endorsement from arguably the nation’s top marijuana user and advocate change their minds?

“We are honored to have Willie Nelson's support for the Dallas Freedom Act,” Catina Voellinger, executive director of Ground Game Texas, stated in the press release. “Like far too many Texans, Willie knows firsthand how much a weed possession charge can disrupt a life. We're grateful for his years of advocacy for common sense reform and we look forward to continuing this work across Texas.”